42 Comments
User's avatar
Marlee Terry's avatar

What a lovely story and wish. We're all glad you noticed that cake!

Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

Thank you, Marlee! I'm so happy you enjoyed reading this 🤍

Kate Selner's avatar

What a wonderful thing to witness. I was on a flight once where it was announced that the pilot was flying their first ever flight after obtaining their license and requisite training hours. The flight was smooth as butter, and upon leaving the plane, that pilot stood beaming with joy as we passed and congratulated them. I'll never forget their face, the pride and excitement they showed.

Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

I love this story, Kate -- thanks so much for reading and sharing it ✈️

M. Louisa Locke's avatar

Oh, that was so lovely!!

Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Louisa! 🤍

Elizabeth Grace Martinez's avatar

oh wow this made my heart thump and my eyes water. what a beautiful benediction.

Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

That makes my day to hear, Elizabeth -- thanks so much for letting me know this resonated with you 🤍

Mika's avatar

This came up in my Substack Reads email. I’m so glad it did. Your illustrations are just so lovely and your story was delightful too. 💕

Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

Yay! I'm so glad a little Substack serendipity sent this your way last week :) Thanks so much for your kind words, Mika, and for letting me know you enjoyed this 🤍

Lisa DeYoung's avatar

Beautiful and just what I needed this morning in my little corner of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado! Thank you for sharing your lovely illustrated stories.

Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

Thank you so much for your kind words, Lisa -- I'm thrilled to hear my stories have found their way to you in the Rocky Mountains 🤍

Scott Gilbertson's avatar

Such a lovely thought.

Ramiro Blanco's avatar

You are becoming my favorite Substack.

Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

That's so lovely to hear, Ramiro -- thank you! ✨

Jessica L Chipps Author's avatar

I had just taken a leave from Substack. Now, I'm sorry. I was missing out on all of your beautiful posts!

Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

Jessica, I'm such a fan of your own newsletter, so it's lovely to hear from you here :) I hope your time away from Substack has been fruitful -- it's so important to weave those pauses into our creative practice, isn't it? 🤍

Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

Love this Candace, what a delightful surprise in an unexpected location. There's not usually too much delight in airport lounges, unless you're waiting in the arrivals hall watching the reunions 😃

Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

You are so right, Vicki -- and this little moment of delight definitely made a long layover go by a little more quickly :) Thanks so much for reading! ✈️

Sue Cauhape's avatar

Thank you, Candace. It's good to read that story again and remember the value of a long and appreciated career.

Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

Thank you, Sue! I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed revisiting this story ✈️

Renee Hale's avatar

I loved this piece when you first posted it, and it's still one of my favorites. Thank you for the chance to revisit it 💖

Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

Thank you, Renee! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed reading this again ✈️

Sally Jupe's avatar

Such a touching tale! I always think we find those little things that stay with us forever in the most unexpected places but feel that we were probably meant to find them. Thank you for sharing this again.

Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

"I feel that we were probably meant to find them." Yes! I just love how you put that, Sally, and I absolutely believe the same 🤍✨

Simone Senisin's avatar

How beautiful 💜

Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

Thank you so much, Simone 🤍

Switter’s World's avatar

Maybe we should expect more of those “unexpected” blessings, because they sure seem to pop up regularly.

Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

Yes! I couldn't agree more with you, Switter 🙌

Joan K's avatar

Lovely! Thanks for sharing this beautiful story!

Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

Thank you, Joan! I'm so glad you enjoyed it 🤍